Lets you manage the intensity.
19 x 75 x 173cm
Supplement your running fitness at home with our pick of the top elliptical trainers
Want more tried and tested recommendations from the RW editors? Sign up to our new weekly newsletter Kit Bag, coming soon. Click here to subscribe.
Sometimes, despite a deep-seated passion for running, you just need to mix up your training. Substituting some of your runs with another form of exercise can minimise injury, aid recovery and help you make those precious cardio gains. But what if we told you that shaking up your running routine could actually make you a better runner too? Step in the cross trainer...
BEST SPACE-SAVING CROSS TRAINER
In a hurry? Here are the best cross trainers for runners at a glance. Keep scrolling for our full edit.
What is a cross trainer?
Also known as an elliptical trainer, a cross trainer is an exercise machine that targets the same muscles and cardio vascular system as running through climbing and power walking against resistance, but without the impact that running on a treadmill brings.
'A cross trainer is one of the most popular cardio machines in the gym. Comprised of two footrests and two handles that you push and pull, the cross trainer provides a full-body, low-impact workout,' says Dean Zweck from Total Fitness. 'To use a cross trainer, you move your feet in a striding pattern while pulling and pushing the handles to train multiple muscles at once.'
How do cross trainers compare with treadmills?
According to Zweck, there are a couple of key differences between using a cross trainer compared to a treadmill. 'Firstly, there is the impact – or lack of it when using a cross trainer,' he explains. 'When you run, typically a force of two to three times your body weight is absorbed by the body every time your foot strikes the floor. When multiplied by the volume of steps you take when you run, this is a lot of force and can cause muscle or joint pain. Cross trainers offer a zero-impact way to achieve similar results to running.'
Cross trainers also have the edge when it comes to overall fitness. 'Treadmills focus on speed and gradient to achieve intensity, whereas a cross trainer will use resistance,' adds Zweck. 'While both are great ways to train, cross trainers hold the advantage for strength and tone, particularly of the upper body, over a treadmill.'
What are the benefits of using a cross trainer?
Cross trainers have a number of benefits for runners – here are a handful of them.
Assists injury recovery and prevention
Because they're low impact, cross trainers can help you continue to train if you are injured. 'For the majority of avid runners, the temptation to push through your injuries to stick to your running plan, or hit your weekly targets is huge but not necessarily sensible,' says Zweck. 'Small injuries have the habit of intensifying if not managed correctly, and there is nothing more frustrating for a runner than to not be able to train.'
x 99 x 150cm
It's also easier to monitor your training with a cross trainer. 'It is very easy to manage intensity while on a cross trainer by manipulating the resistance and steps per minute,' explains Zweck.
Works the upper body
While runners often have super strong calves, our upper-body strength can get overlooked. 'Cross trainers also strengthen and tone your arms (biceps and triceps, back, chest and core) giving it an advantage over running,' says Zweck. 'Depending on your goal, this may make the cross trainer a better choice to achieve multiple training results at once.'
Types of cross trainer
When choosing a cross trainer for your home, it's useful to know the different types that are available.
Magnetic
The first difference is how the resistance is achieved, whether magnetic or electromagnetic. 'Magnetic cross trainers are usually controlled by a knob or lever, whereas electromagnetic ones are controlled by a button on the console,' says Zweck. 'The electromagnetic versions have a much wider range of resistance and are more suited to the advanced exerciser but do cost a little more.'
Fly wheel
The second difference is where the fly wheel is located. 'The fly wheel is what creates the motion in the pedals,' explains Zweck. 'Some are located at the rear, while some are at the front. For a runner, you want to buy a rear-driven cross trainer, as the motion this creates is more alike to a natural running motion. Front-driven cross trainers are more circular or like climbing steps than running.
Things to consider when shopping for a cross trainer
From size to cost, it's worth considering the following points before you make a purchase:
• Size: Check the size. 'You can get foldable cross trainers now which are great to save space,' says Zweck.
• Durability: How sturdy is it and does it have a warranty? 'Most home equipment is built to a decent standard but sometimes things break and after investing that money you don’t want to be out of pocket.'
• Cost: 'Ultimately the cross trainer you buy has to be suitable for your goal and situation, but also your budget,' adds Zweck.
• The console: How tech savvy are you? 'You may want to see power, speed, calories and distance as well as having Bluetooth connectivity to your favourite fitness wearables,' suggests Zweck.
19 best cross trainers for runners to buy now
From self-powered models to the latest in cutting-edge tech, keep scrolling for our pick of the best cross trainers on the market in 2024.